title: Allelopathic effect of methanolic extracts of genetically modified and non-genetically modified canola on soybean.
abstract: This study on the effect of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM canola on soybean was carried out for physiological and biochemical biosafety assessment of GM canola. Methanolic extracts of GM and non-GM canola were assessed on seed germination and growth of soybean (Glycine max L.) under sterilized conditions. The extracts applied were of 3, 5, and 10% concentrations. The results showed that methanolic extracts of both GM and non-GM canola improved the germination percentage. However, germination rate index was significantly decreased with concomitant increase in mean germination time of soybean. A significant rate of decrease was observed in root fresh weight while increase in shoot length took place; when treatment of GM canola extracts were applied, however, no effect was observed in shoot fresh weight. A significant increase in protein contents, as well as phenolic, carotenoids, proline, and chlorophyll a content, was observed when different GM canola treatments (3, 5, and 10%) were applied to soybean; however, a significant rate of reduction in chlorophyll b content was observed by the application of GM canola treatment. Similar results were observed for superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities. A significant increase in the sugar content levels was observed when GM canola treatments (3, 5, and 10%) were applied to soybean.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Kashmala
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Syed
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan shinwari@qau.edu.pk.
authors.forename: Zabta Khan
authors.initials: ZK
authors.lastname: Shinwari
mesh_terms: D064089:Allelopathy; D029741:Brassica rapa / Q000737:chemistry*; D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects; D000432:Methanol; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013025:Glycine max / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D000432:Methanol
keywords: Genetically modified canola; allelopathy; biosafety assessment; soybean